Burnett and Pen Record Shutout

     A.J. Burnett and Co. pitched another strong outing in a 1-0 shutout of the Cubs.

     Burnett did encounter some trouble in the first and fifth innings allowing two on with one out in the first before striking out the next two to end the inning. He would allow second and third with two out in the fifth before a nice play by Pedro Alvarez would get him out of that. He would be replaced by Jared Hughes in the sixth after allowing two to reach with one out. Hughes would get out of the jam by retiring the next two. Grilli would strike out the side in the seventh, Cruz would get out of a jam in the eighth, and Hanrahan would record save number eleven by striking the final two batters out with the tieing run on third.

     The offense continues to struggle only scoring once on seven hits, but against a Cubs team that is struggling worse at the plate than the Bucs, it would be enough. The lone run came in the second when Pedro singled to right. Matt Hague would ground back to pitcher, Ryan Dempster, but Dempster bobbled the ball trying to turn the double play and could only get the out at first. Rod Barajas then singled Pedro home with Pedro making a nice slide around the catcher to score the only run.

                                                                Starters Lines
Burnett: (W, 3-2) 5 1/3 IN, 6 H, 2 BB, 6 K's (1 to Dempster)
Dempster: (L, 0-3) 7 1/3 IN, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K's

                                                                Turning Point
     The Barge's RBI single in the second. It would be the only run of the game.

                                                           Stud/Dud of the Game
Stud: Rod Barajas - 2-4, 2 singles, RBI

Dud: Jose Tabata - 0-4

                                                                Final Thoughts
-- A.J Burnett surpassed the 2,000 innings mark after pitching the second inning. He is also 1 win away from 125 career wins.

-- Nate McLouth was designated for assignment earlier in the day but decided to look at other options. Matt Hague was recalled from AAA just hours after hitting a walk-off single in the 15th against Louisville.

-- The four releavers used in the game for the Bucs all have an ERA under 2.70. (Hughes 1.16, Grilli 2.00, Cruz 1.02, Hanrahan 2.70.) Brad Lincoln also has a 1.17 ERA.

                                                                This Day in '92 (Thanks to baseball-reference.com)
                                                                   L @ SD 7-6
     Zane Smith game up seven runs in 4 1/3 innings in the loss.
     Barry Bonds went 4-5 with 2 singles, a double, a homer, 4 RBI's, 2 runs, and 2 stolen bases. Cecil Espy went 3-5 with with 2 singles, double, an RBI, and a run scored. He was also caught stealing.